Gov. Abbott in Weslaco to announce millions in state funding for airport expansion

Texas Governor Greg Abbott poses with guests after signing a proclamation to expand the airport during a ceremony at the Mid-Valley Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Weslaco. (Joel Martinez | jmartinez@themonitor.com)

WESLACO — Gov. Greg Abbott was in town Tuesday to join local officials in announcing major upgrades to the Mid-Valley Airport.

At the Payne Aviation Hanger, he was joined by Rio Grande Valley and state leaders as he told the crowd that Texas would be investing tens of millions into Weslaco and the Mid-Valley Airport.

While on stage, he signed multiple proclamations, one promising $10 million to expand the airport, another vowing $8 million for drainage and improvements projects to facilitate the expansion, and finally, another $8 million for emergency first responder facilities.

“The Rio Grande Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in the state of Texas,” said Abbott. “The Rio Grande Valley needs an expanded Weslaco airport … airports are vital to a community and also vital for economic growth.”

The Mid-Valley Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Weslaco. (Joel Martinez | jmartinez@themonitor.com)

Abbott said that because of the Valley’s size, the rapidly growing population of workers, and the contributions to the country made here, he considers the region instrumental to the state’s future.

“As the Rio Grande Valley grows, the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport will be a key part of that success,” said Abbott. “And the state of Texas will be with you every step of the way.”

Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez said that the expansion of the airport will have a positive effect on the Valley, and thanked Abbott for recognizing the region’s potential.

“This is a win for the region of the Rio Grande Valley,” said Gonzalez. “Thank you for seeing the potential, not only of Weslaco, but of the whole region … When we win, this whole region wins.”

The presentation concluded after Gonzalez honored the governor with a key to the city.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds the Key to the city of Weslaco as he greets guests after signing a proclamation to expand the airport during a ceremony at the Mid-Valley Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Weslaco. (Joel Martinez | jmartinez@themonitor.com)

Afterwards, the airport’s Aviation Advisory Board Committee President Randy Summers told The Monitor their priority is expanding the runway another thousand feet, making it over 5,000 feet long.

They also plan to construct a parallel taxiway on the west side, enlarge the tarmac, and widen the runway.

Additionally, they will construct another hangar and put the canal at the north end of the runway underground, to make the expansion possible.

With the plans already in the works, Summers expects proposals to go out within six months to a year. Afterwards, construction will begin.

“We want to be the regional corporate airport,” said Summers.

A jet parks outside a hanger at the Mid-Valley Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Weslaco. (Joel Martinez | jmartinez@themonitor.com)

Their plan is to cater to corporate jets, with six already residing on the airport grounds. Summers says they feel it will be necessary as the Valley’s population continues to grow.

He described being entrusted with millions of state funding as a big responsibility, and expressed his gratitude for the great working relationships the board holds with their engineers, the Texas Department of Transportation’s aviation division, and its director, Dan Harmon.

“It’s a tremendous investment. Weslaco is strategically located to take this on. When you fly into Weslaco, you are in the middle of the Valley” said Summers. “… The forefathers built this airport many years ago, and we are working hard to expand it, and continue to improve it.”

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